A month ahead of monsoon,only 7% of desilting work is complete in Mumbai’s stormwater drains

Only 9% of the desilting work of Mithi river is complete.

According to officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), only 7% of the desilting work of stormwater drains in the city has been completed.

Last month, to avoid further delay in starting pre-monsoon desilting works, the civic body had instructed ward officials to hire labourers from NGOs and complete work on minor nullahs to avoid any flood-like situation in the city. (HT)

Meanwhile, another official said that only 9% of the desilting work of Mithi river is complete.

Last week, fearing another scam, the standing committee of the civic body had put the appointment of a contractor for the desilting of the river on hold.

Members demanded that civic body should submit a plan detailing security measures, the dumping site of the silt among others.

Last month, to avoid further delay in starting pre-monsoon desilting works, the civic body had instructed ward officials to hire labourers from NGOs and complete work on minor nullahs to avoid any flood-like situation in the city.

The cleaning of major stormwater drains in the city started from April 1, whereas the ward officials started work on minor nullahs on April 7.

The cleaning is important to ensure the city is not flooded during the rains.

In 2015, the BMC ordered an inquiry into the nullah desilting work, after the heavy rain on June 19, 2015, led to flooding in various parts of the city

The inquiry included nine of the 32 contracts given out for desilting work worth Rs216 crore for two years. A five-member inquiry committee submitted a report that pointed to several irregularities and manipulation in the desilting work and transportation of silt to the dumping ground. The report led to the suspension of 14 civic officials and FIRs were registered against seven contractors

Read

Desilting of Mithi river put on hold for fear of another scam